Twenty years ago, there was virtually no commercial production of blueberries in the state of Florida, except for U-pick farms and berries grown for local markets. This year, some experts said Florida’s blueberry production may reach 25 million pounds, putting the state in the ranks of other leading producers like North Carolina, Georgia, California and Oregon.

The tie-in over the past year with “The Biggest Loser” television show continues to pay dividends for Grimmway Farms and create touch points with consumers, though the show’s finale aired in early February.

Nelly Yunta, vice president of sales, marketing and customer care, liner and logistics business groups for Crowley Maritime Corporation in Jacksonville, FL, and vice president of Customized Brokers, the customs brokerage and consulting division located in Miami, told The Produce News that the port strikes in South America are definitely affecting exports this season.

The North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission announced the winners of the "Savor Your Sweets" recipe contest, a promotion with independent restaurant operators in the Southeast inviting chefs and consumers to look at sweet potatoes in new ways.

The winners, Cuban Sweet Potato Tacos and Sweet Potato Rice Pudding, aren't typical sweet potato dishes, but Taqueria del Sol and The Kings Kitchen pushed contemporary thinking into new areas.

Ready Pac Foods Inc. hired Sally Erickson as its new chief financial officer. In her new position, Erickson will oversee the direction of the company’s financial goals and objectives. She will report directly to Tony Sarsam, Ready Pac’s chief executive officer.

Key Food Stores Co-operative Inc., a chain of independently owned and operated grocery stores, announced the grand opening of its newest location at 2711 White Plains Road, Bronx, NY. A grand opening ceremony was held the morning of March 7.

"We are so proud to welcome the newest Key Food into our supermarket family," Chief Executive Officer Dean Janeway said in a press release. "This community deserves a high-quality shopping experience, and [store owner] Miguel Luna has done a great job remodeling this store."